The Empty City

BY TYLER FARDELL

Census data has revealed almost 20 percent of homes in Newcastle's East are vacant, equating to around 1000 empty homes.

The shocking number is almost double the state average at 10 percent, and the census data showed there was almost 100,000 vacant properties across NSW and Victoria.

The vacant hot-spot was in the Newcastle postcode of 2300, which includes suburbs like Cooks hill and Bar Beach.

Following these figures, there are calls for the NSW state government to follow both the Federal and Victorian governments and introduce a tax for vacant properties.

However, that idea has been criticised by members of the housing industry, saying it has the potential to dry up the supply and increase house prices and rental costs in Newcastle.

Craig Jennion

Executive Director of the Housing Industry Association in the Hunter, Craig Jennion says not only is he against a tax against vacant properties, but the figures gathered in the census can not be taken as completely accurate.

"The way they gather information about whether a home is vacant or not cannot be counted as reliable", he said. "On the day they collect information, if you're not home for any reason including holiday or just out for lunch, the property is counted as vacant".

"Any additional taxes would slow down on supply which is something we don't need in the Hunter", he said.

"Our housing affordability in the Hunter has been a strong point and I would hate to see that change".

Community brings change to Supercar circuit

By SARAH BARONOWSKI

Organisers of the Coates Hire Newcastle 500 have made changes to the 2.6 kilometre Supercar circuit following community feedback.

The revised track no longer includes Pacific Park or the Fort but instead runs down WATT street and winds around the Shortland Esplanade.

Despite these changes, the circuit is still set to run through Newcastle's East which has left residents worried about the disruptions the race will bring.

Revised Circuit. [Image from Newcastle Herald]

Newcastle East resident and business owner Maria Charlton said there are more people in the area against the race than for it.

"There are 10 to 20 percent that are for it and they're not affected by the route," she said. "However 80 percent of the residents of Newcastle East are against this.

"It's a majority of residents opposing a race that is targeted at 20 percent of the population."

NSW Premier Mike Baird said those opposed to the race should consider the upside.

"Let me tell you they can rent their places out for a fortune," he said.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said council and Supercars will continue their dialogue with residents to ensure the best outcome for all.

"Newcastle City Council thanks the community for their feedback to date," she said. "Consultation will continue to minimise any disruption will ensuring the track highlights the best of Newcastle including its famous coastline."

To discuss the next stages of planning with the community, information sessions will be held at the Crown Plaza, Newcastle today between 4:30pm and 8:30pm and tomorrow between 8am and 12pm.